Seattle Seahawks rookie Nick Emmanwori has made NFL history before even taking a snap in the league.
As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Emmanwori is the first player in NFL history drafted No. 35 overall to receive a fully guaranteed rookie contract. Now that the contract is signed and the ink is dried, the Seahawks rookie safety is poised to make that guaranteed contract worth it and outshine the NFL combine performance which was part of the buzz he received entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
The South Carolina product, who was noted as a winner NFL combine back in February, impressed by running a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash and positing a 43-inch vertical jump as well as a 11-foot-6 standing broad jump. The results were eye-popping but should only add to what Emmanwori will bring to the Seahawks secondary as a big safety who can punish bigger receivers as well as play down in the box against the run.
Will Nick Emmanwori be the Seahawks next great defensive back?
At 6-foot-3, 227 pounds, the physicality he imposes on the field will have the 12th man in Seattle reminiscing about the Legion of Boom days. Maybe an even faster, more talented version of Kam Chancellor. Yes, that’s how good Emmanwori could be in a Seahawks’ uniform especially if he can be just as punishing as the former Seahawks’ safety.
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A First team Associated Press All-American and All-SEC in 2024, Emmanwori was a dominant asset with the Gamecocks leading the team with 88 tackles. With his range and combination of speed and versatility, Emmanwori will be a great fit in the Seahawks’ secondary that already features Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, Julian Love, Coby Bryant and Josh Jobe. Given that talent, inserting Emmanwori into the mix is more of a depth move for a Seahawks secondary that is already considered a top 10 secondary in the NFL.
With less pressure for him to come in and make an impact right away, the Seahawks’ rookie will have the luxury of learning behind safeties like Bryant and Love while also adding to the riches Seattle have at the position. Can Emmanwori be a 2025 NFL Draft jewel in the Emerald City? If his college performance and showing at the NFL combine is any indication, the answer is yes. How good he will be will depend on how crafty defensive coordinator Aden Durde is in getting him on the field.